Growing Indigo. My journey from curiosity to color

A few years ago, I became fascinated with indigo, growing the plant, and the centuries-old process behind extracting the dye. Indigo has an unmistakable hue, a rich history, and cultural significance. I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I realized the indigo plant could thrive in my region, but once that thought took root, I couldn’t let it go. Curiosity led to experimentation.

Indigo Crop

I sourced indigo seeds from @dogwooddryer and sowed them in my @NRCS high tunnel greenhouse. I selected a spot that didn’t sacrifice my main growing area but offered protection and easy access so that I could observe every stage. The crop quickly proved vigorous. Lush foliage filled the bed, stems grew tall, leaf tips shimmered with unique colors, and seed heads began to weigh the plants down.

Indigo Flourishing

While I enjoyed the lush foliage & textured seed heads, I was nurturing this crop for something greater, the natural indigo dye itself.

Learning the Indigo Extraction Process

I dove deep into research. Reading articles, checking out books from the library, including Shibori by Nicola Gouldsmith, Natural Color by Sasha Duerr, and a few others. I enjoyed watching documentaries like Maiwa School of Textiles and joined the Facebook community group Indigo Pigment Extraction Methods. This group quickly became an invaluable resource for firsthand experiences, troubleshooting tips, and inspiration shared by growers and dyers around the world.

The more I learned, the more respect I gained for both the plant-based dye and the people who have tended it through history. Though the process felt overwhelming at first, I gave myself permission to experiment. Extracting indigo pigment requires precise timing and attention, so I prepared to document every step, take careful notes, and learn firsthand how this transformation occurs

Indigo Fermenting

Immersed in the Work

On early mornings, while the house was still quiet, I’d step outside, sometimes before my first sip of coffee, to check on the crop. Those still moments became sacred.

The extraction process engaged every sense: sight, smell, touch, and was fueled by intuition. I was told that “you’ll just know” when the batch is ready. It was suggested that I would recognize “Mermaid Water”.

Mermaid Water

Recording observations, testing, and refining the process made me feel like a farmer-scientist. Some call us farmer-florists, but this felt different, a hands-on chemistry experiment rooted in nature.

Indigo extracted leaves

Indigo Sediment

The Outcome: Patience Meets Pigment

My goal was simple: to successfully extract indigo pigment and preserve it until inspiration struck. I’m still not certain I did everything perfectly, but the journey itself was worth it.

Indigo Seperation

I did produce a modest amount of pigment. I knew going in that homegrown indigo dye is a slow, methodical process. Slow flowers = slow dye. Quality over quantity is my mantra.

Liquid Indigo Pigment

The process became meditative. Each step reminded me why I love cultivating plants, experimenting with natural dyes, and learning from the earth. Now, I wait for the right opportunity to use my pigment, letting the color reveal itself in its own time.

It’s incredible to think that this lush, unassuming indigo plant can produce a color so rich in history, culture, and emotion.

Dried Indigo Pigment

Share Your Indigo Story

Have you ever grown or experimented with indigo dye? I’d love to hear your story. Your discoveries, techniques, and connection to this remarkable plant-based pigment would be an inspiration to me.

Let’s Flourish together 🌿💙